Fonterra named top environmental innovator

Media Release
13 October 2006

Fonterra named top environmental innovator

A new wastewater treatment process has won Fonterra the top innovation award at the Westpac National Sustainable Business Awards.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Prime Minister Helen Clark praised Fonterra’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

“I was thrilled to see Fonterra take this award,” says The Rt. Hon. Helen Clark. “The company is doing some great work in the development of environmentally sustainable initiatives, the results of which we are also seeing through programmes such as the Clean Streams Accord.”

Developed by Fonterra’s Environmental Strategy team at Tirau, the award-winning Anoxic Treatment Process significantly reduces the nitrate levels of treated wastewater and cuts back on energy use. The process is currently being rolled out at the company’s Edendale site and will soon be installed at its Waitoa site.

Fonterra Chief Executive Andrew Ferrier said the award recognised the company’s absolute commitment to continuously improving its environmental practices.

“Fonterra’s foundation theme: A Sustainable Co-operative, demonstrates our commitment to building a business that is both economically and environmentally sustainable for the long term.

“Innovative thinking such as this is vital if we are to achieve that goal.”

The wastewater project is just one of a number of key environmental activities in which Fonterra is taking a lead role. The company’s Landfill Reduction Project has achieved a 60 per cent reduction in the quantity of waste deposited to landfill over the last two and a half years. Fonterra has also received commendation from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) for its 82 per cent contribution to New Zealand business’ total reported energy savings.

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